Table of contents for Issue 597 in Tracks

Turn to page 94 and you will see a re-print of Phil Jarratt’s classic Hawaiian story, ‘Half a Winter’s Tale’. One might be moved to ask why an editor would reprint a 7000 word story that first ran in the Jan 1977 issue of Tracks. The simple answer is that it remains one of the most compelling and insightful pieces of surf writing to appear in any surf publication. In the story Jarratt lands on the North Shore in the winter of ’76/’77 amidst an atmosphere tense enough to cut with a well-sanded single fin. The locals have grown impatient with the brash, travelling pros. Rabbit has been beaten up, Ian Cairns is a prime target and a sense of genuine unrest permeates the Australian camp. Despite the looming threat…

‘Highway One’ and the Dark History of Barrenjoey Road Much of this 1977 film made by Steve Otton was shot while he was travelling the Pacific Highway, showing ‘Morning of the Earth’. ‘Highway One’ became a side-project in which he endeavoured to present a romanticised version of teenage surfing life in the late 70s. Bruce Beresford’s ‘Puberty Blues’ was released four years later and was far less idealistic. ‘Highway One’ featured poster art by Tony Edwards (Captain Goodvibes Creator) and a celebrated soundtrack that included Sky Hooks and Richard Clapton. It was promoted as the ‘first acted Australian surf film’. Although there was no official script, there were improvised performances by Peter Hock, Phil Motteroz, Rob Steen, Kim Bradley (all Avalon surfers) and Trudie Adams. Surfing was showcased in the…

The frenzied race to the bottom of Internet content and the narrowed focus of contest judging criteria have arguably homogenised what comes to mind when the words ‘professional surfer’ are said out loud. However, the fact the thruster design has remained fundamentally unchanged for over three decades has allowed a younger generation of surfers to appreciate and discover some of the most iconic surfing ever performed on three rudders. Top of the list for many of those seeking inspiration in the rear-view mirror is Brenden ‘Margo’ Margieson. Much of Brenden Margieson’s recent resurgence can be attributed to his good friend and longtime collaborator, Justin Gane, who’s responsible for the lauded public service of archiving and redistributing prime surfing from an era that was, for better or for worse, free of…

On family holidays to Coolangatta as a teenager, Cait Myers would borrow her mum’s camera to take surf photos. The hobby soon evolved into a career, which has seen Kate emerge as one of the pre-eminent photographers in the surfing world. Cait’s industry cred goes a long way and when Steph Gilmore won her historical, eighth World Title she called in Cait for the official shoot. The upshot was a Tracks cover of Steph wearing a wild grin behind a whip of blonde. The photo reveals Steph as someone who can be ambitious without losing her sense of fun. Cait suggests that the playful aesthetic, which often defines her work, owes much to what she dreamt up as a little kid. Meanwhile, her versatility means she is comfortable swimming with…

Between the late 80s and early 2000s Dean Wilmot did 14 back-to-back seasons on the North Shore as a lensman. Equipped with his trusty scuba fins, Deano earned a reputation as one of the best water-photographers in the world. In a pre-digital era when film-rolls only gave you 36 shots, Dean’s hit rate was prolific and his images adorned covers of surf mags around the world. These days he works as a paramedic on Sydney’s Northern beaches, but this year he decided to return to the North Shore for the first time in twenty years and pick up the camera again. While the food prices seemed extortionate (US $6.50 for a loaf a bead) and hustling affordable accommodation was tough, Dean still felt like he was returning to surfing’s Garden…

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ON THE COVER: LACHIE ROMBOUTS BY SAM VENN This was a super last minute strike mission. We left home at 3am to arrive by sunrise. It was a dreamy morning. The wind had been blowing stiff offshore overnight and a low pressure system had been making its way up the coast for the last day so we knew the swell would be settled in. This was the same low that lit up the whole east coast of Oz and Fiji. The crowds were tame, and I got to see some mates in the water I hadn’t seen in a while and Lachie (Rombouts) was one of them. It’s always an absolute pleasure to watch the man surf. He’s one of the most committed out there and doesn’t fear tucking his…

There can be no denying the phenomenon that is Robert Kelly Slater. Few will argue with the notion of greatest competitive surfer of all time, and a quick google search of the stats of Jordan, Tyson, Bolt, etc. will reveal a compelling argument for greatest athlete in any sport, ever. But, without meaning to downplay his myriad of achievements outside of the competitive arena, it is also hard to refute that Slater’s success has occurred, largely, within the confines of The System. Indeed, this is a huge part of the man’s genius. From an early age Kelly had mastered competitive surfing in the way a champion chess player can demolish an unsuspecting opponent in a few moves, all whilst adhering to the stipulations of a strict, complex rulebook. But once…

I didn’t really second-guess going to Hawaii. Honestly, I didn’t think about it at all, I just clicked ‘checkout’. Making it to the North Shore is something that feels like a right of passage for anyone in our industry but I guess a part of me always put off going… citing it as some sacred land that would pull me over when it was my time. Turns out, it manifested itself as some rogue $400 return deal Jetstar ran on a random Tuesday in December, who knew. When I actually ended up landing in Oahu, I don’t think I could have told you what I was expecting if someone put a gun to my temple. But the North Shore I was met with was tenfold different to any image I…